Is working from home bad for business?

Working from home is often touted as the dream scenario. Sipping tea from your favourite mug in your pyjamas whilst answering emails at leisure – what could be a more comfortable way of working?

As so many jobs now can be performed with only a laptop and internet connection, the rise in ‘digital nomads’ is clear across many industries.

Millennials are often keen on this approach to working, as they can travel and work at the same time. Armed with only a wifi hotspot, they can work from anywhere on the planet.

However is working from home bad for business?

The results are in

In a recent study, 1 in 3 employees across the UK said that they feel they can’t ever fully switch off from work. They feel constantly ‘on call’, even on weekends and holidays.

Then a further 1 in 5 also said that working remotely makes them feel ‘under surveillance’ as employers and managers trust those who work from home less.

So what does this mean for us and our businesses? We asked Lisa Forrest, a Global Head of Internal Talent Acquisition, what she thinks.

“Failure to embrace flexible working risks alienating huge segments of the workforce – especially amongst the millennial population,” explains Forrest. What can happen? “The result is disengagement and demotivation amongst employees.”

Working from home: The positive side

The study also found that nearly half (42%) of all employees who work remotely, felt that it helps them stay on top of their workloads. Over a third (37%) said that working from home makes them more productive. This is beneficial for both employees and employers.

Forrest says: “Companies must set and nurture flexible working policies from the beginning of employment contracts. They need to review practices regularly with employees to ensure mutual understanding and satisfaction. This will foster wider organisational support.”

What do you think about working from home? Would you let your team do it?